Continental Silver Gilt Salt Cellars

- Item No.

A rare and striking set of six Continental silver gilt salt cellars of fine quality

Key Features

An impressive set of six Continental silver salt cellars of fantastic quality and size

These triangular salts were inspired by Renaissance-era silver salts used in 16th-century Germany

Kneeling satyrs and grotesque masks distinguish the Mannerist style in which the salts are executed

Historically, salt was a luxury item, even taking the place of and being more valuable than gold

Similar salt forms can be found at The British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum

Marks on the salts appear to coincide with the Lothige system used in Germany and surrounding areas, indicating .8125 silver content; 19th century

Item Details

Width:
5 3/8" Inches

Height:
2 5/8" Inches

Period:
19th Century

Origin:
Other

This set of six 19th-century Continental silver gilt salt cellars take the triangular form of silver salts used by the affluent in Renaissance-era Germany. The salts are masterfully executed in a bold Mannerist style, distinguished by kneeling satyrs supporting grotesque masks at the corners of each. Their intricate forms not only reflect the talent of the silversmith, but of the precious status of salt, which was considered a luxury item and historically used as currency. Similar triangular-form salts can be found in the collections of The British Museum (Reference number WB.144) and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The markings on these salts appear coincide with those used in the Lothige system of silver measurement common in Germany and surrounding areas. The "13" stamp would then indicate a .8125 silver content.

19th Century

5 3/8" wide x 2 5/8" high

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